UKNC-O HISTORY LESSON – FRANCE BACKS BIAFRA’S POSITION

Biafran soldiers on 31 juillet 1968

July 31, 1968

France Backs Biafra's Position

The French government today backed the Biafran position and called for international action to end the civil war on the basis of right of self-determination. "The human tragedy taking place in Biafra preoccupies and moves the French Government," the statement said. Independent of its desire to participate to the best of its ability in the humanitarian effort under way, the government notes that "the bloodshed and suffering endured by the peoples of Biafra for more than a year show their will to affirm themselves as a people." Faithful to this principle, the French Government believes that, as a result, the present conflict should be resolved "on the basis of the right of people to self-determination and implies the undertaking of appropriate international procedures."

 

Biafran soldiers deliberate close to one of the B-26 fighter jets provided by France. 

In response to the French move, the Nigerian External Affairs Commissioner, Dr. Okoi Arikpo, said today that Nigeria views as "unfortunate" the French decision to support Biafra. He announced that heavy fighting was continuing in Igrita, about 70 miles of Port Harcourt. (New York Times)

August 4, 1968

French Support Raises Morale in Biafra

Charles de Gaulle (L) and Houphouet-Boigny (M) built a close relationship based on strengthening French interest and neo-imperialism in Africa. Together, they gave Biafra a fighting chance through a large part of the war. (Decouvrir de Gaulle)

The backing of Biafra's right to self-determination by President Charles de Gaulle of France has raised morale and hope in Biafra. The French move on Wednesday, July 31, has produced widespread expectation in Biafra that President de Gaulle will back up his words with financial aid to Biafra, which desperately needs foreign funds for the purchase of arms and ammunition. Without such aid, Biafran troops, outnumbered and outgunned by the Nigerians, face almost certain defeat on the battlefield. (New York Times)